Marine fuel cell-based drive partnership

The aim is to integrate PowerCell’s fuel cell systems in Siemens’ existing systems for drive and power generation for the marine segment.

“In large segments of the marine industry a rapid transition has already started, with increased electrification and decreased use of fossil fuels as strong trends,” said Per Wassén, CEO of PowerCell.

“If commercial shipping is to meet the IMO target and seriously take on the challenge that the climate change poses, large sections of it has to convert to much more sustainable solutions.”

Promising solution

Mr Wassén added that fuel cells are a very promising alternative to meeting IMO targets and both Siemens and PowerCell see a great potential for the cooperation they are entering into.

PowerCell and Siemens will jointly develop a fuel cell-based system that can be integrated into ships such as ferries, yachts and cruise ships.

In June, a power generating system based on PowerCell’s fuel cell stacks and developed by PowerCell’s Norwegian joint venture Hyon, got the first ever approval in principle for a fuel cell-based power generating system for marine vessels.

PowerCell Sweden AB develops and produces fuel cell stacks and systems for stationary and mobile applications with a high class energy density.

Siemens AG is a leading manufacturer of integrated propulsion and power generating systems for marine applications and has developed a complete system that is being marketed and sold under the name of SISHIP BlueDrive.

This is the second marine fuel cell partnership announced in recent months.